Mounjaro 2.5mg - When to move to 5mg?

S

Sage

Well-known member
I've been taking Mounjaro for three weeks at 2.5mg, and my fourth dose is due today. I haven't experienced any significant side effects, just a bit of nausea on the day of the shot and the day after, along with some constipation that's manageable with fiber. Since it's Ramadan, I'm fasting and eating twice a day, estimating my daily calorie intake to be under 2,000. My initial weight was 148 kg. I haven't weighed myself yet, though I've noticed my clothes fitting slightly better. I'm hesitant to step on the scale because a stagnant number could affect my motivation. I'm curious to hear from others who've completed the first month: What was your experience like? Did you see changes early on, or did it take some time? How did you handle the mental aspect of tracking your weight? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
 
I stuck with 2.5mg as long as it worked, which was about 9 weeks. Then I bumped up to 5mg, and I've been on that for a year now. Planning to taper off in the next few weeks, hopefully. I'm almost at my target weight.
 
I dropped 4.2 kg in my first month (started at 124.7 kg). Today marks week 5, still on 2.5 mg, and I weigh 119.7 kg. My measurements are down 5 cm from both my waist and hips, and my jeans feel looser. I usually weigh myself once a week to avoid getting discouraged. Mentally, I decided to accept whatever pace my body chooses. Seeing others lose a lot quickly can create unrealistic expectations. Everyone responds differently, and some people need higher doses. I focused on eating well and moving more, so when I saw a loss of 1kg/week, I was thrilled. It really adds up! Even 3 kg/month is 36 kg in a year. I'm prepared for a long journey, as I have 54 kg to lose. As for the dose, my doctor advised staying on the lowest effective dose, which is what I'm doing. I want to stay on 2.5 mg as long as my cravings are manageable. Good luck!
 
Some of the rapid weight losses I've seen posted online have been surprising, as I'm losing less than a pound per week. I'm glad I decided to weigh myself weekly to manage my expectations. With minimal side effects on 2.5mg (my second 5mg dose has been a bit different), I've been able to adjust my eating habits, but it still requires effort. Adding monthly measurements has been helpful. I lost 2 3/4 inches in my waist in the first month. I'm also looking forward to blood work in a few weeks to see the impact there. As for dosage, follow your provider's recommendations. Mine initially planned for 2.5mg for three months but adjusted to 5mg at my request and mentioned moving to 7mg next month. However, I prefer to stay as low as possible while still seeing benefits.
 
Most people stick with 2.5 for at least a month or two before increasing, and if you're handling it well with few side effects, your doctor might approve a move to 5mg. If you're still struggling with nausea or fatigue, there's no reason to rush. The aim is for your body to adjust, not to speed up the schedule. Hydration is key on Mounjaro. Reduced appetite means less electrolyte intake, which can worsen side effects. I started using electrolyte drops to maintain levels without adding calories, and it helped with fatigue and headaches. Also, drink water constantly, eat protein even when you don't feel like it, and track your symptoms to share with your provider before increasing the dose.
 
I started seeing changes by the third week. I began at 113.5 kg. I didn't jump straight to 5mg; I used 3.75mg for six doses and then 4.25mg. So far, I've lost 13kg and still experience mild side effects. My plan was a gradual increase to manage the side effects. If you're losing weight at an acceptable rate, stay at the same dose for a while before titrating up!
 
I finished my first month on Mounjaro at 2.5mg and lost 5 pounds during that time. At first, I was a bit disappointed because it didn't seem like much. But it averages to a little over a pound per week, which is a healthy rate, and it was consistent. More importantly, I felt better. My inflammation decreased, eliminating the soreness in my knees and back. My sleep improved, and I had more energy. The minor side effects were manageable with probiotics, fiber, and electrolytes. And my clothes fit better. I spoke to my doctor on the day of my last 2.5mg shot. Since I was tolerating the medication well but my hunger was returning earlier in the week, he suggested increasing the dose. I'll take my first 5.0mg shot this Friday.
 
I'm also fasting! Took my first dose on Saturday. I don't notice any big changes in appetite or food noise. Still getting cravings all the time. Feeling pretty bummed.
 
I'm on 2.5mg, started at 74.4kg, and after 3 weeks, I'm at 67kg. Planning to stay on 2.5mg for another month to see how it goes. It's still working, and it's cheaper than moving up, so I'll try that for now.
 
Sage said:
Since it’s Ramadan, I’m fasting... hesitant to step on the scale because a stagnant number could affect my motivation.
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Have you considered focusing on body composition instead of just the scale during Ramadan? Maybe track measurements or how your clothes fit, since weight can fluctuate with fasting and hydration. It might be a more motivating way to see progress without fixating on the number.
 
ThinTale said:
I feel cravings all the time
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Are you getting enough protein? Sometimes cravings can be a sign that you're not meeting your protein needs. It helps with satiety and can reduce those nagging cravings. I aim for at least 80-100g of protein daily.
 
If you're worried about the cost of the medication long-term, it's worth checking if your pharmacy offers any discount programs or manufacturer coupons. Also, some people have success getting prescriptions filled at Costco, as they often have lower prices.
 
Just started five milligrams of mounjaro this week. Doing zumba class three days a week. No side effects so far from this dose. We'll see how it goes. Good luck and thanks for sharing!
 
stay at 2.5 if you're doing ok. only jump to 5 when you hit a wall and side effects are manageable. either way you'll get there.
 
Cocked the pen and hit the button before injecting. Whole dose squirted on my stomach. Would've rubbed it in if I thought it would help.
 
same thing happened to me. used mounjaro up to 10mg and it stopped working. came off for 2 months, started over at 2.5 and it was like day one again. had the hunger back but could manage it, gained like 8 back.
 
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